Agriculture Degree: Subjects, Requirements, and More

Feeding the planet in the 21st century will require innovation in technology, science, engineering, and farming. It’s a critical concern involving high stakes. With a global population expected to reach 10.3 billion by 2080, food production will be important to sustain all humanity. 

Agricultural studies programs at United States universities are dedicated to discovering innovative solutions in several food-related areas, from animal husbandry to agribusiness. 

Keep reading to learn more about: 

• What it means to study agriculture in the 21st century

• What to look for in agricultural courses at the university level

• What agriculture studies programs in the US can offer to international students

What Is Agriculture?

Agriculture today is modern, global, and has a significant impact. From traditional crop planting to cutting-edge biotechnology, modern agriculture has evolved into a complex ecosystem that spans multiple disciplines. 

Students in agriculture programs learn about climate action, food systems, and innovation.

Answering the question What is agriculture? in the 21st century may also require an understanding of:

1. Agribusiness: The supply chain that starts on the farm and comprises food production, processing, distribution, and marketing

2. Crop genetics and biotechnology: The science of improving plant yields, resilience, and nutritional value, among other strategies

3. Soil and environmental science: The study of ecosystems and how they support nutrient-dense soil and agricultural production

4. Animal husbandry science: Improving livestock health, productivity, and welfare through care, breeding, and management

5. Biotechnology: The use of DNA, microbes, enzymes, and other biological systems and tools to develop food, farming, and environmental innovations

What Is an Agriculture Course?

The United States has emerged as a global leader in agricultural education, offering innovative programs that blend environmental science, food systems, and cutting-edge sustainability research.

There are several different bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degree options available to international students at US universities. Let’s explore agriculture degrees in the US — from undergraduate programs in animal and plant science to graduate courses creating policy and innovating to meet the demands of the world’s population.

Agriculture Fields and Specializations

Students in agriculture courses take classes and specialize in a wide range of business, economic, engineering, technical, and scientific concentrations.

The College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF), for instance, offers courses and degrees in several areas of study, including animals, business, education and communication, engineering and technology, environmental and natural resources, food, and plants and soil.

Plant Sciences

Plant science programs in the US offer international students hands-on research and career-building experiences in sustainability, biotechnology, and food systems. Specific plant science degree options include:

1. Agronomy: Growing and managing crops for food, fuel, and sustainability

2. Horticulture: Cultivating fruit, vegetables, flowers, and other plants

3. Plant Pathology: Studying plant diseases and how to prevent them

4. Crop Genetics and Biotechnology: Using technology and science to improve crops and yields

Animal Science

Animal science courses in the US utilize science, technology, and farm management best practices to study and enhance the health and welfare of animals, as well as improve the efficiency of their production. Animal science courses include:

1. Animal Husbandry and Livestock Production: Breeding, raising, and managing farm animals for food and resources

2. Veterinary Sciences: Diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease in farm animals

3. Dairy Science: The study of dairy animals, milk production and processing

4. Aquaculture: Breeding and farming fish for food and other purposes

Soil & Environmental Sciences

It is not just dirt! Soil and environmental sciences courses in the US study soil, water, and natural ecosystems from the perspective of environmental health and agriculture. 

Soil and environmental science areas of study in the US include:

1. Soil Science: Promoting productive and sustainable land use through the study of soil

2. Agroecology: Studying and creating sustainable and resilient farming systems through ecology

3. Natural Resource Management: Land, water, and biodiversity, sustainable use, and conservation

4. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Farming practices that increase productivity without increasing emissions

Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural engineering courses use innovative engineering principles and technology to enhance equipment and create more sustainable farming systems. Here are several agricultural engineering courses to consider:

1. Farm Machinery and Mechanization: Increasing agricultural productivity by improving equipment

2. Precision Agriculture: Optimizing crop production and resource use with technology and data while minimizing adverse environmental impact

3. Post-Harvest Technology: Preserving, storing, and processing crops to reduce loss and maintain quality

4. Food Processing and Engineering: The science and technology of turning plants and animals into safe, high-quality food products

Agricultural Economics and Management

Agricultural economics and management courses examine how financial markets, government policy, and international supply and demand influence farming and agricultural systems. These majors include:

1. Agricultural Economics: Production, distribution, and consumption in farming and agribusiness

2. Rural Development: Improving the quality of life and economics in farming communities

3. Agribusiness Management: The business and marketing side of agriculture, from individual farm operations to food chain management for countries

4. Agricultural Extension and Education: Sharing research and innovation with farmers and communities to educate and improve productivity and sustainability

Agriculture Degree Requirements

International students interested in studying agriculture in the United States must have completed secondary or high school education. Competitive programs will look for strong performances in relevant areas, such as biology and mathematics.

You will also need to speak English sufficiently to understand what you are learning and to participate in classroom discussions. Many schools require the TOEFL, IELTS, or an equivalent standardized test and have established scoring benchmarks.

There are additional prerequisites, including demonstrating proof of funds to cover the cost of your education. 

Once enrolled, you’ll also have to take approximately 120 credit hours, or generally four years’ worth of classes, to get your undergraduate degree in an agricultural studies field.

For example, international students applying to the College of Agriculture at Louisiana State University (LSU) as first-year undergrads don’t have to submit a special application to study agriculture. However, they do have to fulfill the following requirements:

• The equivalent of a US high school diploma with an academic average equivalent to a “B” or 3.0 on the US 4-point grading system.

• An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate proof of English proficiency by submitting a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exam that meets the following scoring requirements:

  • TOEFL (paper): 550

  • TOEFL (web): 79

  • IELTS: 6.5

  • Duolingo: 100

Additional financial and visa-related requirements are also part of the application process for international students at LSU.

Whether applying to LSU or any other program in the US, be sure to check the Department of State website for up-to-date student visa requirements to ensure you have everything you need. You can also reach out to a Shorelight advisor for personalized guidance on studying abroad in the US. 

Agriculture Career Options

Agriculture studies majors often become farmers, but there are many other career options available as well.

In the US, farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers earn an average annual salary of $87,980. In 2023, the median income from farming in the US was $167,550 for households operating commercial family farms.

Global Job Opportunities

Several areas of farming are evolving, blending classic agriculture with modern technology and engineering. New specializations address food shortage and growing space constrictions, while others create the tractors and combines that increase crop yields with fewer resources.

Let’s take a look at a few growth area positions for tomorrow’s agriculture-based degree holder. 

Precision agriculture engineer: The international agricultural technology (AgTech) economy is supposed to grow more than 11% by 2032.

Average precision agriculture engineer salary:

1. Brazil: R$120,000 (estimated, based on agricultural engineer roles), according to SalaryExpert

2. China: ¥ 210,000 (estimated, based on agricultural engineer averages), according to SalaryExpert

3. India: ₹ 600,000 – ₹ 1,200,000, according to Glassdoor India

Soil Scientist: Soil science is increasingly in demand as more than 3 billion people live in areas that suffer from degraded land that doesn’t grow crops well due to nutrient loss.

Average soil scientist salary:

1. Brazil: R$120.656, according to SalaryExpert

2. China: ¥254,059, according to ERI Economic Research Institute

3. India: ₹1,321,229, according to ERI Economic Research Institute

4. United States: $77,080, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Agricultural economist: Migration, climate, and food system security are important issues for the 21st century. Agricultural economists provide strategic advice and insights, helping to create better policies.

Average agricultural economist salary:

1. Brazil: R$140,347, according to SalaryExpert

2. China: ¥303,862, according to SalaryExpert

3. India: ₹712,350, according to Salary.com India

4. United States: $71,697, according to Zippia

Study at the Best US Universities with Shorelight’s Help!

Shorelight connects international students with high-ranked agriculture programs at top universities.

University of Wisconsin River Falls

In 2024, UWRF’s dairy science program ranked first nationally, and its animal science program ranked second. UWRF also offers a customized major in agricultural studies, where students can combine different courses and components to suit their career interests best.

The UWRF program also includes students from more than 20 countries.

Auburn University

Auburn University is especially suited for international students. The School of Agriculture’s Office of Global Programs is designed to integrate a global perspective into the program’s teaching and outreach initiatives.

Auburn also features excellent graduate-level research opportunities and courses, such as this rural sociology master’s degree.

Rutgers University – New Brunswick

Rutgers University is located in New Jersey, just outside New York City, which is an unusual place for an agriculture sciences program. However, several courses in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) helped secure a top-25 position in the U.S. News and World Report rankings for agricultural programs in the US.

With world-class universities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a commitment to solving global problems, studying agriculture in the US can transform your career and contribute to feeding our growing planet.

Discover how Shorelight can help you turn academic ambition into a life-changing journey >